Kent State University mourns the loss of student-athlete Jason Bitsko, who died unexpectedly today (Wednesday, Aug. 20).

Bitsko was found unresponsive in the bedroom of his off-campus apartment shortly before 9 a.m. Police believe he passed away from an undetermined medical issue.

Bitsko, 21, was set to begin his fourth year on the team and would have been the starting center for this coming season. He started all 12 games in 2013 and was recently selected to the Phil Steele’s Preseason All-MAC Third Team. Bitsko graduated from Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio, and was studying Marketing.

Head coach Paul Haynes had this to say about Bitsko and the horrendous news that came out on Wednesday morning.

Our players, coaches and everyone involved with our team are hurting because he was family…As a team, we will come together and get through this one day at a time.

Calls were apparently placed to Bitsko’s room after he failed to show up for morning practice. A teammate then found him unresponsive in his bed and called 911.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kent State football community and Bitsko’s family during this most difficult time.